Note 157 — Chapter IV
Reading edition
“The scheme [of surprising the Indians] was proposed, and certain success insured if attempted. Gen Wilkinson suggested the plan to the Commander-in-Chief, but it was not his plan, nor perhaps his wish, to embrace so probable a means for ending the war by compelling them to peace. This was not the first occasion or opportunity which presented itself to our observant General [Wilkinson] for some grand stroke of enterprise, but the commander-in-chief rejected all and every of his plans”—fol. 42. Clark’s criticisms and objections fill his remaining pages—fols. 42-50, 52, 57, 58, 59.